Not All Stock Certificates Are the Same: Real Ownership vs. Replica Keepsakes

By Erin Clerici - 19 Nov 2025

If you’ve been browsing GiveAshare.com, you may have noticed that we offer two distinct products:

1. One Share with Stock Certificate

This option includes real ownership of one share plus a framed certificate for display.

Real Ownership: The share is legally registered in the recipient’s name.
Ownership Document: Depending on the company and the options you select, this will be either:
- A real paper stock certificate (still issued by many companies), or
- A Direct Registration System (DRS) statement, which is the official proof of ownership for companies that no longer issue paper certificates.
Display Certificate: A high-quality replica on premium linen paper personalized with the shareholder’s name, perfect for gifting and display.
Benefits: Entitles the shareholder to declared dividends, proxy votes, and company communications.
Timing: The Display Certificate leaves our Arizona facility within two business days. The Ownership Document arrives once registration is complete (~3-7 weeks).

Explore One Share with Stock Certificate →

Important Note: Some companies still issue real paper stock certificates, while others have moved to electronic-only ownership and issue a DRS statement instead.
Both are official documents, but only the paper certificate is suitable for framing. That’s why we include a replica certificate for display in either case.

2. Stock Certificate Only

This option is for those who already own shares elsewhere (e.g., in a brokerage account) and want a beautiful certificate to commemorate their ownership.

Replica Certificate Only: A high-quality reproduction printed on premium linen paper.
Personalized: Includes the shareholder’s name, number of shares and where shares are held (optional).
No Ownership Included: This is a keepsake, not a legal document.
Perfect For: Displaying ownership pride without transferring or registering shares.

Explore Stock Certificate Only →

Which Option Is Right for You?

One Share with Stock Certificate: Ideal if you're gifting stock to someone who doesn't yet own shares and want to include real ownership.
Stock Certificate Only: Ideal if the recipient already owns shares and just wants a display-worthy certificate.

Bonus: Custom Stock Certificates

Don’t see your favorite company listed? Our custom stock certificate design option lets you create a personalized replica for nearly any stock.

Final Word

Whether you choose real ownership or a replica keepsake, both options celebrate the spirit of stock ownership. Just remember:

Real stock certificates are only issued by select companies.
DRS statements are the modern equivalent for electronic-only companies.
Our replica certificates ensure you always have something beautiful to display—no matter the format of the official ownership document.

Erin Clerici

Erin earned degrees in finance and journalism from Arizona State University and began her career as a financial journalist at Bloomberg, working in New York City and London. Her interest in the stock market started early when her dad encouraged her and her sisters to choose companies to invest in. Erin chose Nokia, then a leader in the mobile phone market, while her sisters picked Starbucks and Intel. Although Nokia proved to be a loser (thanks, Apple!), the experience sparked her interest in investing and taught valuable lessons she still carries today.